As Malaysia assumes the chair of Asean on 1 January, the nation faces critical choices at home and abroad.
Global tensions, regional turmoil and domestic challenges demand serious attention.
Global challenges
China and Russia’s rivalry with the US has intensified, with Brics being set up to rival Western hegemony.
Malaysia is treading a delicate middle path. It has joined Brics as a partner country, a prelude to full membership, while accepting Western investments.
In the Middle East, Malaysia has taken a principled stand to oppose the Israeli genocide in Gaza, which threatens to spill across the region.
Closer to home, Myanmar’s struggle for democracy poses a crucial challenge for Malaysia’s Asean leadership. The Myanmar military’s suppression of the people has forced thousands to flee, many seeking refuge on our shores. Hopefully, Malaysia’s leadership of the regional grouping can help bring about a democratic transition in Myanmar.
Economic crossroads
Within Malaysia, two years since Reformasi’s standard bearer Anwar Ibrahim took over government, we need to take stock.
Full article on Aliran website
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Before this Chinese New Year, the much awaited Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project will go ahead with the groundwork starting in Bandar Sri Pinang. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar is expected to attend the project’s ground breaking ceremony on Jan 11.
The LRT train runs on elevated tracks, making it possible to “fly” over a multitude of traffic junctions and to manoeuvre with ease. An elevated LRT also minimises service disruptions caused by flooding, giving it an advantage over street-level BRT or ART.
We see hope in public transportation in Penang with the LRT. Tourists can take LRT to and from the airport.
The proposed Pan Island Link 1 (PIL 1) highway in Penang has sparked fresh concerns among activists who warn that its construction could undermine the ridership potential of the state’s planned Light Rail Transit (LRT) system.
The highway, which received environmental approvals in 2019 but never took off due to a lack of funds, is intended to connect Gurney Drive and Bayan Lepas via a 10km tunnel running through the Penang Hill range.
This year’s iconic Pesta Pulau Pinang is set to be the last held at the Tapak Pesta Sungai Nibong, as the venue will soon make way for the Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line development.
Pesta will most probably be relocated to a new location in Prai as the visitors are mostly rural folks unlike the urbanised islanders.
Will PAS ban government agencies from celebrating non-Muslim festivities?
Our multi racial fabric is threatened by PAS.
We must oppose the racist stand of PN as we cannot count on Gerakan to influence PN!
Does the DAP practice multiethnic and multicultural principles?
Why has no one from other ethnic groups been appointed to the position of Chief Minister for nearly 50 years
Reverse the question, and ask it in relation to other states.
Happy New Year 2025 to Mr Anil and all readers. Semangat Baharu – Sejahterakan Malaysia
Happy new year to you Luca and all readers!
Celine Dion performed live in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=J9oR2KGs8bA
Meanwhile women are not allowed to perform in public in Kelatan and Trengganu.
” Will UMNO axe Akmal for defying Agong’s edict to attend Najib’s solidarity rally in personal capacity? ”
by By FocusM dd 1 day ago
https://focusmalaysia.my/will-umno-axe-akmal-for-defying-agongs-edict-to-attend-najibs-solidarity-rally-in-personal-capacity/
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If they wanted to, they would have done so by now already. So, the answer is a big NO , UMNO will not axe Akmal.
” Your time has passed, stop undermining others, Zahid tells Guan Eng ” By Nor Ain Mohamed Radhi dd January 2, 2025 @ 10:46am https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2025/01/1155536/your-time-has-passed-stop-undermining-others-zahid-tells-guan-eng ======== Finally, the leadership of UMNO and its youth wing are aligned with their program to join hands with PAS for the solidarity rally in support of former Prime Minister DSNR. As mentioned previously, a member of a political coalition has the right to question another member if that member engages in actions that may be disagreeable or detrimental to the coalition’s unity. One cannot dismiss LGE and his opinion on the issue simply because he remains… Read more »
It is noteworthy that the unity coalition leader, including the current SG of DAP, has remained silent on this matter. Are the unity coalition leader and the SG of DAP in support of the solidarity rally, or are they not? In terms of voter support in GE15, DAP secured 40 parliamentary seats compared to UMNO’s 26. As we approach GE16, will the members of the unity coalition be able to maintain this standing? The Rakyat are disillusioned and disappointed with the governance of the nation and the way our well-being is being addressed, particularly in light of the rising cost… Read more »
” PH not involved in pro-Najib rally, says Anwar ” by Elill Easwaran
dd 03 Jan 2025, 01:06 PM
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/01/03/ph-not-involved-in-pro-najib-rally-says-anwar/
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The Unity Coalition leader has responded. Pakatan Harapan is not involved in the pro-Najib rally. How could they be? It was under their government in 2018 that the charges against DSNR were framed.
Therefore, we, the Rakyat, are wondering what guidelines, terms, and conditions the Unity Coalition had in place when various political parties joined to form the current Unity government.
Madani principles are the guidelines.
Why are you so blur and ignorant?
Why do you think I’m blurred and ignorant? That seems quite judgmental. Can you explain what led you to that conclusion?
You left out the part about the terms and conditions for the political parties to join the unity government. Were there any?
For example, terms and conditions like ‘Commitment to Stability,’ ‘Consensus on Governance,’ and ‘Mutual Respect and Non-Aggression.
Madani is the acronym for the core values: keMampanan (sustainability), kesejAhteraan (prosperity), Daya cipta (innovation), hormAt (respect), keyakiNan (trust) and Ihsan (compassion). The concept manly targets the following domains: Economy and finance.
The core values will guide the implementation of government actions and unite the different factions of the Unity Government.
MCA urges members to attend solidarity rally for Najib”
by FMT Reporters dd 03 Jan 2025, 04:30 PM
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/01/03/mca-urges-members-to-attend-solidarity-rally-for-najib/
” Thousands of MIC members will attend Najib rally, says Saravanan ”
by Elill Easwaran dd 02 Jan 2025, 12:49 PM
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/01/02/thousands-of-mic-members-will-attend-najib-rally-says-saravanan/
Najib must thank MIC prayers at Batu Cave for him to secure the addendum yesterday.
So, now it’s not just an UMNO program. The other Barisan Nasional members are preparing to join the solidarity rally for Najib. It has now become a Barisan Nasional initiative, and Barisan Nasional is part of the Unity Government.
However, the leader of the PH coalition, who is also the chairman of the Unity coalition and the Prime Minister of the Unity Government, states that PH is not involved in the solidarity rally for DSNR.
What does this mean? Did the Prime Minister of the Unity government give Barisan Nasional the green light for the solidarity rally for DSNR ?
PAS went to the rally, while PMX happily met PM Lawrence of Singapore to launch the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
Johor would experience more rapid economic growth, resulting in an estimated 0.5 to 0.9 percent to the GDP growth this it can contribute RM 20 billion in the short run and can exceed RM30 to 50 billion, the magnitude, scale, and size of the project at the macro level.
The engine of growth is now in Johor?
Previously the Iskandar southern corridor plan failed because it did not engage Singapore as a partner.
Now the Johor Sultan is befriending Singapore more in SEZ.
Question is more labour intensive factories from Singapore will be relocated to Johor, meaning less opportunity for Malaysian blue collar workers earning Singapore dollar in Singapore?
Meanwhile the RTS will mean more talented Malaysians going to Singapore for lucrative high end jobs?
Many traditional manufacturing companies in Singapore are relocating anyway because no longer tax incentive as Singapore is now targeting Deep tech — advanced technologies (AI) based on scientific research and focused on complex problems.
https://www.edb.gov.sg/en/business-insights/insights/deep-tech-unlocking-new-engines-of-growth-for-singapore.html
Singapore want talented and qualified Malaysians. Low skill blue collar workers will have to work in Johor SEZ (Ringgit, not S$).
PAS has been outmaneuvered by the shrewd tactics of UMNO. They have no grounds to object if the King decides to pardon Najib and place him under house arrest. The more harm they cause, the more they will face the consequences of Karma.
On the contrary, it is UMNO who has been outmaneuvered by PAS.
PAS firmly maintained its belief on DSNR and continued to push forward. UMNO got cold feet and backed out at the last minute.
Why should PAS object if they are in support of the alleged addendum to place DSNR under house arrest ?
Hadi had previously claimed the Federal Constitution has colonial roots meant to weaken Islam.
Now PAS is ready to support any Malaysian whose constitutional rights are violated.
Contradiction?
PAS is full of contradiction but its followers blindly embrace the party because of their madrasah education background that cannot question things in rational way?
” Najib focuses on royal addendum, no instructions for new pardon application – Shafee ” By Muhammad Yusri Muzamir dd January 4, 2025 @ 9:28pm
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/01/1156526/najib-focuses-royal-addendum-no-instructions-new-pardon-application
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The January 6 court case aims to determine the existence of an alleged royal addendum as previously understood.
Why in addendum, and not in the main letter so as not to be missed out? Real complications.
This is also a court case, similar to many in the past involving Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Why organize a large rally for show of support now?
This matter is related to UMNO/BN, as Datuk Seri Najib Razak is a member of UMNO and not PAS. So, why is PAS involved in this ?
Better to stay away from this gathering.
MIC and MCA are now becoming laughing stocks once Umno made the U Turn.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/01/06/if-guan-eng-oppressed-we-would-defend-him-too-says-pas/
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” PAS would defend any Malaysian who faced oppression or the curtailing of their rights, even DAP leaders Lim Guan Eng and Lim Kit Siang, Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said today. ”
PAS has stated its reason for being in the rally.
But PAS is curtailing non muslim rights by banning 4D Toto, liquor and frmale performance. A bit contradictory, right, Rakyat 8?
Mr Anil
PMX should prioritize domestic stability than regional ASEAN matter.
With passionate religious rhetorics taking over secular common sense, we may see return of BossKu, like it or not?
Penang folks,
Forget PSY’s Gangnam style, you get to APT. with Rose n Bruno Mars on stage at City stadium courtesy BossKu for the nation is helping him he shall help in return with APT. Concert